The range-topping Pajero Sport Exceed will feature the latest in advanced safety systems, with multi around monitor, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation and Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System among its standard equipment.

Pajero Sport introduces a number of Mitsubishi technology firsts, including a new 8-speed automatic transmission, which – combined with a new 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine from Triton – enables official fuel consumption of 8.0-litres/100km and 212 gm CO2/100km*.

Pajero Sport’s EURO 5 compliant diesel engine produces maximum torque of 430Nm at 2500rpm, while peak power is 133kW at 3500rpm. It uses an all-aluminium cylinder block construction and other lightweight materials to achieve greater efficiency, quietness and refinement.

Pajero Sport has an eye-catching exterior design with Mitsubishi Motors’ new Dynamic Shield front face design concept, a further evolution of the design nurtured in successive models of the Pajero series. The high-quality design uses both sporty and dynamic elements that clearly distinguish it from other off-road SUVs.

Mitsubishi has created a new interior for Pajero Sport based on the concept of comfortable and sporty design. Inside, a high console proportion dashboard with dynamically styled silver-finish ornamentation and plush sculpted seats add to its luxurious feel.

The interior’s sporty feel is enhanced by the addition of an electric park brake – another Mitsubishi first – and high centre console that wraps around the front passengers. Newly designed seats with extra padding add to the feeling of comfort for front and rear passengers, especially on longer journeys.

Pajero Sport is also very roomy with a 673 litre rear cargo volume (floor to top of rear seat back), with increased head and legroom compared to its Challenger predecessor.

With the rear seat folded, a massive 1,624 litre cargo volume is available (floor to roof).

All models feature the latest smartphone connectivity technology – Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) system for both Android AutoTM*1 and Apple CarPlay*2. The system allows users to connect to apps or other features of their phone through the touchscreen or via voice control.

Adding to Pajero Sport’s comfort and convenience is keyless entry with push button start across the range, along with upgraded ETACS – Electronic Time and Control System. ETACS has a number of fully customisable functions including welcome light, coming home light and headlight auto off.

The dusk sensing headlamps (on GLX and Exceed) can also be adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of operation.

“The new Pajero Sport is the most advanced fully-capable Mitsubishi 4x4 SUV to date”, he said.

“Pajero Sport brings a host of new safety technologies to its competitive class including Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System and blind spot warning system, along with eight-speed automatic transmission, multi around monitor and forward collision mitigation, which are new for Mitsubishi.

“Pajero Sport adds another stylish and practical option to Mitsubishi’s SUV arsenal with stacks of appeal for active families, empty nesters and serious 4-wheel drivers shopping for a comfortable, reliable and clever 4x4 SUV that is equally capable in Australian cities as it is off the beaten track.”

The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will be available at dealerships around Australia from Monday 7 December 2015.

*Combined cycle, ADR 81/02

*1: Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc. registered in the United States and other countries.

*2: Apple CarPlay, iPhone, are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the United States and other countries.

As a result, the new Pajero Sport has been awarded an ANCAP five-star safety rating. In addition, Pajero Sport has a range of active safety features which are fast becoming standard on passenger SUVs.

A rear view camera, reversing sensors and speed sensing auto door locking feature are fitted to every Pajero Sport, while Exceed models are equipped with the following advanced safety technologies:

– Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) FCM utilises a millimetre wave radar mounted behind the three diamond emblem on the front of the vehicle, which judges whether there is risk of a collision with the vehicle in front. A visible and audible warning is provided if a collision risk has been identified, escalating to autonomous braking if a high risk of collision has been determined.

– Blind Spot Warning (BSW) The first time featured on a Mitsubishi vehicle, BSW uses ultrasound sensors located in the rear bumper to detect vehicles near the rear quarters. BWS alerts the driver through an illuminated symbol in the driver’s mirror and via an audible alert (activated when the indicator is in use) when a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot.

– Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) UMS reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles when the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds of up to 10km/h. The system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstructions in front of or behind the vehicle and will regulate engine power while emitting an audible warning.

– Multi around Monitor System (MMS) MMS employs four cameras at the front, rear and in the side door mirrors to display a bird’s eye view of the perimeter of the vehicle,capp which is displayed in the Pajero Sport’s 7-inch colour touch screen. A guideline overlay also assists the driver when reversing.

POWERTRAIN

2.4-litre Engine

The Pajero Sport is fitted with Mitsubishi’s responsive and refined new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine, which was recently launched in the 2016 Triton. It achieves 133kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430Nm peak torque at 2500 rpm.

Using an all-aluminium cylinder block construction and other lightweight materials, the new EURO 5 compliant engine is lighter and considerably more efficient, more powerful and more refined than its predecessor.

Fuel economy and emissions have been improved by lowering the compression ratio to 15.5:1 and locating the diesel particulate filter as close to the engine as possible.

A 10 per cent reduction to the rotating inertia of the variable geometry turbo charger helps Pajero Sport generate gutsy torque at low rpm and provide smooth and responsive torque delivery right through the rev range.

Not only that, Pajero Sport has an excellent torque to weight ratio of 4.5kg/NM – a key benefit of the new engine and efficient overall packaging.

Transmission

Pajero Sport’s all-new 8-speed automatic transmission is the first of its kind fitted to a Mitsubishi vehicle and has been specially developed for Pajero Sport.

It has neutral idle to reduce transmission drag therefore improving fuel efficiency when the vehicle is stationary and in gear.

The transmission is water cooled and air cooled for greater efficiency and has an increased ratio spread of 28 per cent at the lower end to improve acceleration performance and launch feel.

A further 8 per cent ratio spread is at the top end where, at higher speeds, the transmission operates at lower engine speeds for further gains in fuel economy and quietness.

It features a sophisticated adaptive control system which has the following features:

– Uphill control A unique shift map will select the best gears for maximum vehicle progression when driving uphill

– Downhill control Lower gears are selected to support deceleration via engine braking

– Accelerator pedal release control Upshifting is temporarily prevented when the accelerator pedal is rapidly released to provide engine braking and assist acceleration performance once the pedal is re-applied

High performance automatic transmission fluid is used, virtually eliminating the need for replacement under normal vehicle usage. Under severe conditions, the maintenance interval has been extended to 100,000km.

Pajero Sport is equipped with the Super Select II 4WD system which is operated via a selector dial in the centre console. Super Select II allows the driver to switch between four drive modes and centre differential.

The system has four operating modes – 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc – and the driver can change between 2H and 4H at speeds under 100km/h.

- Sand Allows gentle movement of the wheel when accelerating in soft, sandy conditions. This mode tends to rely on the Traction Control system’s LSD effect to maintain traction, while utilising a unique Sand Mode AT shift pattern which makes use of the 8-speed transmission’s low gear ratio. This mode also uses Active Stability Control and Active Traction Control systems to maintain momentum when travelling at higher speeds.

- Rock Due to Pajero Sport’s fantastic wheel articulation, Rock Mode reduces wheel slip by using the Traction Control system’s LSD effect when one or more wheels is not in contact with the ground or when climbing steep gradients. It also uses a unique shift pattern which makes use of the 8-speed AT’s low gears.

CHASSIS

Suspension

Pajero Sport’s suspension has a double wishbone with coil spring set up at the front and 3-link rigid axle with coil spring suspension at the rear.

At the front, a larger diameter stabiliser bar helps reduce body roll through corners, while front and rear damper rates are re-tuned to improve ride.

Rear suspension mount points and the structure of the lateral rod mounts have been changed to improve vehicle straight line and mid-corner stability.

Pajero Sport has long stroke suspension for superior off-road performance. Meanwhile, body roll behaviour has been improved to give a greater feeling of stability and confidence. The result is nimble and tractable handling with surprisingly high levels of ride comfort.

Steering

The Pajero Sport has a class-leading turning circle of 11.2 metres thanks to a faster steering ratio that gives it a quicker steering response and reduces lock-to-lock turns. Power assist has been calibrated to reduce steering effort when stationary or at low speeds while providing greater feedback at higher speeds.

Brakes

Braking effectiveness and feel are boosted with the use of larger 2-piston caliper ventilated discs at the front and ventilated discs at the rear.

ABS with EBD is fitted, along with Emergency Stop Signal, which warns following vehicles by flashing the hazard lights in an emergency braking situation or when ABS is activated.

Active Stability and Traction Control operates to stabilise the vehicle by regulating engine output and brake force when instability is detected through sudden steering inputs or one or more wheels slipping. It also restricts driving wheel spin to provide optimum drive force and traction.

All models feature Hill Start Assist, which prevents the vehicle from moving backward if it senses a gradient. The system will maintain brake force for two seconds after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal.

Hill Descent Control is a new feature for Mitsubishi models and maintains a constant speed in off-road situations or when travelling down a steep gradient by controlling vehicle braking. The system operates between the range of 2km/h and 20 km/h and is speed adjustable via the brakes or accelerator.

In another Mitsubishi first, the Pajero Sport features an Electric Park Brake, freeing up additional room in the cockpit. The EPB switch operates an actuator that applies brake force. When the EPB is activated, the system autonomously determines the road gradient and applies the required brake force. The driver must have their foot on the brake pedal or have the vehicle in Park to release the EPB.

EXTERIOR

The new Pajero Sport has a bold, distinctive appearance from every angle. Its individual styling reflects Mitsubishi’s new design direction, which was recently adopted for its future SUV range.

Pajero Sport is the second Mitsubishi vehicle, after 2016 Outlander, to feature the new Dynamic Shield front design, which features bumpers that wrap around the front from the left and right guards and are bordered by a bright silver garnish. Chrome-trimmed grille bars extend from the three-diamond Mitsubishi badge into the headlight accents, giving the Pajero Sport a high quality, contemporary front fascia design.

The front styling is further enhanced by LED headlights and Daylight Running Lamps, which function as dimming position lamps when the headlights are on.

From the side, Pajero Sport is sharply contoured by a crease running through the front guard and rear quarter panel and taillight. Integrated roof rails, side sill garnish and side step reinforce Pajero Sport’s bold off-road SUV image and the futuristic 18-inch alloy wheels have a premium quality appearance.

The rear design is both sporty and stylish with iconic LED rear combination lamps that have a unique vertical design, which is even more striking when illuminated.

Aerodynamics

Pajero Sport’s drag co-efficient is among the best in its class – 0.04 Cd.

With the help of computer aided analysis and extensive wind tunnel testing, Mitsubishi engineers and designers have created a fluid surface that is 13 per cent more efficient than the Challenger it replaces.

Front bumper shape has been optimised the smooth the flow of air along the sides, while the A-pillars are rounded and flush with the glass to reduce wind resistance.

Front air dams are positioned ahead of the front tyres to reduce air resistance and suppress lifting force. Pajero Sport’s sides taper inward at the rear to smooth airflow separation and lower air resistance.

Pajero Sport also has a clever front-end design that dramatically decreases water splash over the windscreen when driving through water.

INTERIOR

The Pajero Sport has a cockpit-style interior with high centre console design. High quality materials and silver ornamentation give the interior a luxury ambience, which is enhanced by super comfortable front and rear seats and piano black finishes in the centre panel, floor console and door trim.

The centre console flows seamlessly into the floor console, where the drive mode selector dial, electric park brake and off-road mode switch are positioned below the leather-wrapped automatic shift lever. All controls are neatly integrated into the interior design by a uniform decorative finish.

High contrast instrumentation also contributes to the Pajero Sport’s luxury appearance, while the four-spoke leather steering wheel uses a sporty and functional design. The steering wheel houses cruise, audio and other controls with auto transmission paddle shifts mounted behind the wheel.

A multi information display in the dash panel provides information on fuel consumption, fuel range, eco-drive assistance as well as drive and off-road modes.

Interior space is improved compared to its predecessor with more front seat headroom and shoulder room in the second row. Reach and rake adjustable steering and seat slide travel ensures drivers of all sizes can find a comfortable seating position.

Uprated noise insulation was used to achieve a very quiet interior, aided by the adoption of Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine, which has low engine noise, and new 8-speed automatic transmission

Audio

Mitsubishi’s new Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA) enables compatible smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple Car Play systems. Users can connect to selected apps, including navigation, stored on their smartphone through the

system’s 7-inch colour touch screen or via voice control. The system also allows users to make calls or send SMS messages hands free. SDA is a standard feature on all Pajero Sport models.

Digital radio is standard with all variants fitted with Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB), along with traditional AM/FM tuner.

Pajero Sport Exceed has a rear seat entertainment unit with DVD player and high definition 9-inch roof-mounted colour display and 8-speaker audio.

Seats

Seat comfort was a major focus for Pajero Sport’s interior.

In the first and second rows, the sides of the seatback and seat cushions have been raised for increased support, while the seat centres use multi-layered cushioning of varying density for additional support and improved fit.

The front seats have sunken stitching lines for a sculpted, high quality look. More rounded shoulder supports provide better upper torso location as well as giving the seats a more luxury appearance.

Both front and rear seats can be reclined and rear seats tumbled forward to maximise the generous interior space.

Pajero Sport has an upgraded ETACS (Electronic Time and Alarm Control System) with a range of automatic functions that add to comfort and convenience.

– Welcome light To make it easier to find the vehicle in a car park, Pajero Sport’s position lights can be turned on for 30 seconds when the keyless operation system is used to unlock the doors and the headlights are set to OFF or AUTO

– Coming home light Headlights can be set to switch on, lighting up the front area of the car for safety when exiting the car at night. This can be done by using the turn signal lever after the ignition has been switched off and with the headlights set to OFF or AUTO

– Reverse-linked rear wiper The rear wipers will sweep the back window several times to clear the rearward view when the front wipers are on and the vehicle is in reverse gear

– Folding mirrors on lock Front door mirrors will automatically fold closed or open when the doors are locked or unlocked using keyless operation or the keyless entry system. The mirrors can also be folded by operating the mirror switch when the ignition is ON